Diamond Systems ATHENA IV : ATH4-E3845-4GA PC/104 SBC with Intel Atom E3845 COM Express Module and 16-Bit Data Acquisition

An established PC/104 product often outlives the processor on its SBC, and each redesign costs time. The ATH4-E3845-4GA is the Atom E3845 build with data acquisition in the Diamond Systems ATHENA IV series: the fourth Athena generation, which keeps the board shape and most connectors of earlier Athena boards while moving the processor onto a replaceable COM Express module.

The processor is an Intel Atom E3845 at 1.91 GHz on a COM Express Type 10 mini module, with 4 GB of RAM soldered on the module. Because the module sits on a carrier, a later COM can replace it with little re-engineering, which helps extend product life. Graphics output covers VGA and single-channel 24-bit LVDS for a local display or flat panel.

The data acquisition circuit gives 16 single-ended or 8 differential 16-bit analogue inputs at up to 150 kHz, four 12-bit analogue outputs, 24 digital I/O lines and two counter/timers, with autocalibration through Diamond’s Universal Driver software. System I/O covers two Gigabit Ethernet ports, one USB 3.0 port, four USB 2.0 ports, four RS-232/422/485 ports and HD audio on an ALC262 codec. Storage is an M.2 2230 SATA socket for up to 128 GB plus a 7-pin SATA connector. The ARS3845-4GA pairs the same processor with PC/104-Plus expansion.

Power is 5 V DC. The ATH4-E3845-4GA runs fanless from -40 to 85 °C under a heat sink, and I/O modules stack on the PC/104 ISA bus from the top or, preferably, the bottom so they do not block airflow over the heat sink. The board carries an on-board RTC battery with an external battery connector and supports Windows 10 and Ubuntu Linux.